The Chess Piece ( Nakahara Chuuya x OC)

[ 31 ] It Can't End Like This

Ilaria couldn't decide on what expression to put on. The last time she was put in a position similar to this was at least five years ago. She could feel everyone's intense stare at her which weighed her down even more. 

She kept her face blank. There's no fear, no guilt nor any positive attitude. Well, it would have been pretty disturbing if she did have a positive attitude. 

This wasn't the first time she was being arrested. The panic that used to rise in her chest when she heard the police siren now sounded like a funny memory of her childhood. The neighbourhood where she used for shelter  at that time was a place filled with criminals. From pickpockets to gangsters to sex traffickers. She did fit in pretty well considering she was already branded as a murderer. But Eco kept her safe, protected her and taught her how to fight against those fears. 

Maybe that's the reason why she looked so relaxed despite having guns pointed at her head. The handcuffs felt cold against bare skin. At least the metal was much gentler than the military officials who were clutching onto her arms with all the force they could muster, even though Ilaria looked tiny compared to them and somewhat vulnerable. These huge men with their uniforms on were at least a foot taller and wider than Ilaria. But of course, they knew better than to judge people by their height. They had reports of the mass destruction that this woman had done in Yokohama's port. 

Ilaria tried not to look at anyone in particular. The hurricane of emotions rampaging inside her was getting harder to keep under control. She doubted whether she'd be able to pinpoint all of that even if she was given the chance to. Everything that never bothered her or…at least she pretended didn't affect her seemed to have become an extremely sensitive issue at that point. 

Is it how it feels when the end is near? 

Amidst all the commotion in her head, her eyes landed on the young woman standing farthest away from her. It was Dazai's idea, of course, to keep Lauretta as far as possible. But Lauretta's eyes held concern, unlike everyone else. This made Ilaria frown slightly in confusion. 

What are you so worried about? You look like you'd care if I died.

The thought itself sounded unreal and stupid to Ilaria. The corners of her lips curved up slightly.For the last few days of her life, she somehow managed to find someone who hasn't already been engulfed by the darkness that Ilaria was used to. There was still hope for this world after all. 

The short amount of time that they have spent together somehow became the only thing that Ilaria focused on to keep herself steady. Even if she wasn't particularly afraid, the concept of dying like this wasn't exactly a happy thought. After fighting all these years to survive, such an uneventful ending seemed like a waste. 

Ilaria blinked slightly. With all the moments that Lauretta shared with her, something got stuck in her head. 

Why don't you get away, Ilaria-san? 

Was there any way to get away? To survive? It appeared to be impossible. It was too late. Way too late to make a plan. But Lauretta stared right back at her, straight into her eyes. Those rosy eyes were a source of comfort. A way to shun reality. 

Should I…?

Ilaria almost tripped from the harsh tug on her arm. The handcuffs dug into her wrist even more. Moving her gaze away from Lauretta, she glanced at the man standing behind her. He said something that went completely over the woman's head. 

Should I? 

It was the survival instinct that kept her from going with the military quietly and without causing problems. She had to struggle a lot to reach the twentieth year of her life. That was a huge milestone. Was it worth it to throw all those years of hard work into the trash? Yes, some part of her wanted it all to end.